At the Forefront: Dr. Michael Ba Banutu-Gomez

At the Knowledge and Leadership Alliance, we believe positive change comes from the relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovative thinking. In this second edition of At the Forefront, we spotlight Dr. Michael Ba Banutu-Gomez, professor of management at Rowan University. His extensive experience spans teaching, consulting, and organizational development across multiple continents, contributing to leadership development, cross-cultural understanding, and education reform.

From Consulting to Academia: A Journey of Knowledge and Leadership

Dr. Michael Ba Banutu-Gomez. Photo from Rowan University website

Dr. Banutu-Gomez’s journey in academia began with his passion for understanding organizations and leadership from a global perspective. He earned his Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Case Western Reserve University, emphasizing public policy, in 2001. Before that, he obtained an M.S.W. in management for non-profit organizations from Boston University and a B.A. in Sociology and Applied Social Relations from Eastern Connecticut State University. His academic background laid the foundation for his impactful academic and consulting career.

Since joining Rowan University’s faculty in 2000, Dr. Banutu-Gomez has taught courses in organizational behavior, international business, global leadership, and organizational culture. His teaching responsibilities extend to undergraduate and graduate programs, where he prepares students to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected and culturally diverse business world.

Before transitioning into academia, Dr. Banutu-Gomez accumulated valuable professional experience in leadership roles at organizations such as Oxfam America, where he served as the Coordinator for West Africa and Horn of Africa programs. He also worked at Fleet Bank/Bank of America and the Massachusetts Department of Social Services. These roles and his academic work have given him a unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, organizational culture, and global business practices.

Reflecting on his decision to pursue academia, Dr. Banutu-Gomez said, “For me, it comes down to a deep curiosity about knowledge and sharing experiences. […] It allows me to shape the future of research and education.” This passion for teaching and mentoring students while sharing knowledge across cultural boundaries has been a hallmark of his career.

Global Leadership and Research Impact

Dr. Banutu-Gomez has long been dedicated to ensuring his research has real-world applications. His expertise in organizational behavior, leadership, and cross-cultural differences has taken him across the globe, where he has presented his work at professional conferences in the U.S. and Europe. As a consultant, he has worked with organizations in the U.S., Africa, Asia, and Europe, providing leadership training and organizational development programs.

One of his core beliefs is that research must have tangible benefits for society. “Any research that has been published and has not been used is meaningless,” he emphasizes. This philosophy drives his leadership and international business approach, particularly in cross-cultural contexts. “We are all doing business, but we do it differently because we are different human beings,” he explains. “If we look at the opportunity that every culture has to offer and utilize that, our businesses and our collaboration […] will be much more enhanced.”

Through his work as a consultant for GEM (Global Excellence in Management Innovation), Dr. Banutu-Gomez has conducted leadership and certification training programs for CEOs and government officials worldwide, further showcasing his dedication to leadership development on a global scale.

Leading Education Reform in The Gambia

In addition to his leadership and organizational development contributions, Dr. Banutu-Gomez has played a pivotal role in education reform in The Gambia. In 2018, he organized and led the first-ever Quality Education, Relevance, and Accessibility conference in the country in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST)—the conference aimed to develop strategies to improve education across all levels, from kindergarten to university.

“We are all here today because we believe in one thing, which is quality education and relevance for our beloved country,” he said during the conference. His work in The Gambia has had lasting effects, leading to identifying pilot schools in each region that will implement newly developed education models. Dr. Banutu-Gomez continues to serve as an advisor on higher education for The Gambia, helping to guide the country’s educational development efforts.

The Role of Technology in Leadership and Organizational Behavior

Dr. Banutu-Gomez’s research also explores the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in leadership and organizational behavior. He believes that technology, if integrated thoughtfully, can significantly enhance leadership effectiveness and organizational outcomes. “AI [will] influence everything—management, leadership, and beyond,” he asserts. However, Dr. Banutu-Gomez is careful to stress the importance of using technology for human progress rather than allowing it to dictate decisions: “Managers and leaders must embrace AI and learn how to use it to enhance their work.”

His teachings at Rowan University emphasize the importance of preparing future leaders to navigate technological advancements while staying grounded in human-centered leadership.

A Legacy of Collaboration and Global Impact

Dr. Banutu-Gomez’s career exemplifies the power of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange. His consulting work, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe, and the U.S., highlights the importance of bringing together diverse perspectives to address complex challenges. “No academician has all the answers,” he explains, underscoring the value of working with experts from various fields to develop innovative solutions.

“Diversity of thought and ideas is key,” he continues. “You may be from the same country, but your thoughts and ideas will [differ]. Embracing this diversity will help create proactive innovation in society.”

His research, teaching, and consulting have consistently demonstrated his belief that collaboration and open-mindedness are critical to addressing today’s global challenges. From his leadership roles in The Gambia to his contributions to global leadership development, Dr. Banutu-Gomez inspires future generations of leaders and change-makers.

Building a Future Through Leadership and Education

Looking to the future, Dr. Banutu-Gomez hopes his research will leave a lasting legacy, contributing to meaningful progress in leadership, education, and organizational development. “[The legacy] I want to leave in this world is [of] someone who has published articles, and those articles have been used to change somebody’s life,” he says. He encourages emerging scholars to stay committed to their work, emphasizing the importance of hard work, perseverance, and societal impact. “You can’t conquer everything at once, […] but whatever you start with, do it with commitment, determination, and energy.”

His message to the Knowledge and Leadership Alliance community is for thought leaders to promote and increase collaboration and openness: “Foster collaboration, stay open to diverse perspectives, and leverage your research power in a way that has a positive impact on society.”

1 thought on “At the Forefront: Dr. Michael Ba Banutu-Gomez”

  1. Prof Banutu Gomez is the most outstanding professor I have ever come across who thought me during my Masters of Science program in International Business. He also Supervised my Masters Thesis entitled Corporate Social Responsibilities of Oil and Gas Companies in The Gambia. He is my mentor and show me direction in academia.

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